44 Indians stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran arrive in Mumbai

After landing in Mumbai, the passengers were moved to the Indian Navy’s quarantine facility in Ghatkopar

44 Indians stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran arrived in the country in an Iran Air flight that landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Friday afternoon.

According to sources, Iran is one of the worst-affected countries by the coronavirus outbreak and the government has been working on plans to bring back Indians stranded there.

The Iran Air plane with 44 Indian pilgrims landed at Mumbai airport at around 12.08 pm. The passengers were later moved to the Indian Navy’s quarantine facility in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area.

“44 Indian citizens evacuated from Iran. Shifted to Indian Navy quarantine facility set up at Ghatkopar, Mumbai. All required facilities set up by Western Naval Command,” Indian Navy spokesperson said.

After completing the necessary formalities and tests, the passengers are likely to be flown in an Air India special flight to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, where they will be quarantined for 14 days.

On Thursday, a Defence spokesperson confirmed that the passengers would be brought to Jaisalmer and quarantined at an Army facility there.

“They will be quarantined at an Indian Army facility created under the aegis of Southern Command. The patients will be transferred from the airport post their initial screening to the quarantine facility under the escort of civil administration,” Defence Spokesperson Col Sombit Ghosh had said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that there are over 6,000 Indians in various provinces of Iran and the government is focused on bringing them back.

“The second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims has arrived today from Iran. Our efforts to bring back the others continue. The Indian Embassy in Iran and our medical team – keep up the good work. Appreciate the support of Iranian authorities and their airlines,” the minister said earlier today.

Second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims has arrived today from #Iran. Our efforts to bring back the others continue. @India_in_Iran and our medical team – keep up the good work. Appreciate the support of Iranian authorities and their airlines.